Theatre and Dance

Since the 1930s, our nationally accredited theatre program has provided students with experience in all areas of theatrical production. We are also the only public university in Kentucky to offer a theatre program with teaching certification. Whether you want to be center stage or prefer working behind the scenes, there’s a place for you at MSU. View our mission statement.

Turning Your Passion Into A Career

Our alumni are successful on Broadway, in professional theatre companies, television and film. Others are continuing their study at esteemed schools like the National Shakespeare Conservatory and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Many of our graduates pursue a wide range of careers in the following:

Hands-on Learning

As a student in our program you will develop an understanding in all aspects of theatre. Learning does not stop the moment you step foot on stage, you will gain hands on experiences in all areas of production including:

Performance

Costume, set, lighting, sound or prop design

Directing class productions

Set, costume and prop construction

Running crew

Dramaturgy

Stage management or assistant stage management

Hair and make-up

You are an ambassador for the performing arts when you step on stage at MSU. You can be a part of the tradition of excellence at MSU in productions like the classical Greek tragedy Medea or the iconic musical Grease in ether the state-of-the-art Lucille Caudill Little Theatre or our traditional proscenium stage at Button Auditorium. Recent Productions include:

Career Development and Networking

Each year you will be able to participate in the Kentucky Theatre Association Conference and will attend screening auditions to prepare you for the South Eastern Theatre Conference (SETC) general auditions. At SETC, you will present portfolios and audition materials to theatre professionals for summer employment.

In the past students from our programs have garnered positions as actors, managers and technicians at theatres such as the Stage Door Manor, Stephen Foster Drama Association, Flatrock Playhouse, and Missoula Children's Theatre. All department shows are entered in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) competition as either associate or participating productions. KCACTF is a national theatre education program wherein actors, designers, dramaturgs and stage managers present their work for feedback from a regional KCACTF representative. Selected students are eligible to compete for recognition at the regional and national levels.

Guest Artists and Field Trips

The MSU theatre program offers special workshops given by guest artists to our students. In the last two years, we have had two professional guest choreographers for our productions of Grease and Nunsense, a stage combat workshop, and a clowning workshop with professional actors from Le Petomane Theatre Ensemble.

Another important part of arts education at MSU is allowing you to see arts events in other venues. With this in mind, we occasionally arrange for you to attend field trips to regional museums and theatres.

The Little Company

Gain career experience by joining The Little Company. As a member of this touring troupe, you will perform in a play and provide interactive workshops for schools in the state, with a main focus on the service region of Morehead State University. You will have the opportunity to visit up to 100 schools each year, and perform for 15,000 to 30,000 students. While this program serves teachers and K-12 schools in the state, it also offers a valuable career experience performing plays intended for young audiences, teaching workshops to K-12 students and working with a touring production.